Archive for May, 2011

First Aid Kits – Advice & Tips

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

First aid kits are really useful to have to hand as they can literally save a person’s life in an emergency. This guide takes you through the key items you should have in a first aid kit, where you can buy the produce and where to store it. Firstly, you should always make sure your first aid kit is stocked with plenty of bandages and band aids for treating cuts and scrapes. You should also have some gauze so you can wrap it around minor wounds before sticking it down.

Ointments should form another important component of your first aid kit. These can help you to treat things such as cuts, scrapes and mild burns so you should at least have some antiseptic cream to hand at all times. Your first aid kit should also include basic pain relief, such as aspirin. This is good for mild pain as well as minor ailments such as colds. You should also stock cold packs in the kit as these are good for treating bumps and bruises.

If you have any medical conditions, then you also need to make sure that these are catered for in your first aid kit. For example, a lot of people have asthma and so should keep a spare inhaler to hand. It’s also a good place to keep any prescription drugs so you always know where to find them, along with contact information for your doctor. If you have a baby, you should also remember to keep a supply of items like nappy cream and teething medicine.

In terms of buying your first aid kit, you should be able to purchase most of it from your pharmacist. They can sell you all the items you need to make up your individual kit or, if you prefer, you should be able to buy a ready-made first aid kit that you can then just customize if you have any specific medical conditions. Just remember that if you have prescription drugs, you will have to talk to your doctor before you can stock them in your kit.

One last thing to consider is how you are going to store your first aid kit. In the bathroom cabinet or in a kitchen cupboard are often good options as they are easily accessible and you won’t forget where it is. Just make sure the kit is stored out of sunlight so the items in it don’t dry out. It also needs to stay cool and dry so avoid any likely damp spots, such as under the sink or next to pipes that might leak.

If you liked this, try : Lumbar Support Or First Aid Kits

A Number Of Toenail Fungus Home Remedies

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

Before discussing the various toenail fungus home remedies, one needs to understand what toenail fungus is. Put simply it is caused by fungi that grows on the nails. Your nails especially on the big toe and the little toe lose their colour and become yellow or brown. They also become flaky and could ultimately fall off.

There are a number of things that make the fungi grow. One of them is wearing socks or any foot wear for a lengthy time. Because there is no adequate aeration, a perfect environment for fungi to develop and spread is created. It could also be that you are not taking care of your feet by not practicing good hygiene. It is important that you clean your toes and properly dry them.

There is a chance that you might get the infection if you share a swimming pool or shower with somebody whose toes are infected. It can also be as a result of sharing socks and shoes or even leaving your toes wet when you have finished bathing.

Tea tree oil is a natural remedy that effectively removes toenail fungus. It helps to eliminate the disease. For a much better outcome you just apply a mixture of tea tree oil with thyme oil and extra virgin oil on your toes.

A different remedy that also works is household vinegar. The feet have to be soaked in the vinegar for roughly thirty minutes daily and for four weeks. Mouthwash also works well when it comes to killing these fungi. It also assists in cleaning the toenails.

The application of garlic extract on the affected spot will also kill the fungi. This has to be done consistently until the fungi are completely eliminated. By dipping your feet in 3% hydrogen peroxide you can get rid of the fungus. One can mix apple cider vinegar with warm water and immerse the feet for at least 25 minutes. The vinegar will destroy the fungi and prevent any other infections from developing.

Lime juice also works to treat the condition. All you do is rub it on your toenails with a cotton ball for around 10 minutes. Afterwards you rinse it off with warm water. It is vital that you dry your toes properly. A mixture of a few drops of oregano and a teaspoon of olive oil can be applied on the affected part. Onions are known to have anti fungal components which get rid of the fungi. A sliced onion is rubbed on the nails.

Rubbing alcohol can also be used. You simply soak your toes in it for 20 minutes two times a day. Another home remedy is a mixture of bleach and warm water. This works but it has its side effects. This is because it is very acidic therefore it might graze the skin that surrounds your nails.

You can even drink chamomile or ginger tea as this is also helpful. Toenail fungus home remedies can be very effective if used diligently and correctly. There is also a huge list to choose from.

Marie is a foot health pro specializing in curing toenail fungus.